A phone that is easier to hear and to dial can make staying in touch simpler. Some states provide specialized telephone equipment to qualified residents, and the FCC explains captioned telephone service and the labels that show a phone works with hearing aids. This guide starts with those, then covers what to compare in amplified, big-button and simple cell phones.
GMG does not test products. Our guidance comes from the FCC, state equipment programs and the specifications stated in the product listings, and we link to each source. This is general information, not medical advice. If you use a hearing aid, our OTC hearing aids guide covers hearing aids themselves.
📋Quick Summary
- Many states run programs that provide specialized telephone equipment. Washington's program says many of its clients receive equipment at no cost, and Colorado's provides amplified and captioned phones at no charge to qualified people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. Eligibility and cost vary by state.
- The FCC says IP captioned telephone service lets a person who can speak but has difficulty hearing over the telephone listen to the other party and read captions of what is being said.
- The FCC says hearing aid compatible wireline phones must be labeled "HAC," and that a wireless handset is considered hearing aid-compatible if it is rated at least M3 and T3 or meets the newer 2019 standard.
- Amplified phones state their boost in decibels on the listing. Compare the number, the ringer volume and the button size.
- Phones are everyday products, not medical equipment, so plan to pay for them yourself unless a state program provides one.
Who it is for
- People who find it hard to hear or dial on the phone they have.
- Family members choosing a phone for a parent or grandparent.
Who should skip it
- If your phone works well for you, you may not need a new one.
- If your hearing has changed, talk with your doctor or an audiologist. This is general information, not medical advice.
Start with the free options
Check your state's equipment program first. Washington's TED program says people ages 4 and up who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled and live in the state can apply, that the cost is based on a sliding fee scale, and that "many of our clients receive the equipment at no cost." Colorado's Communications Technology Program provides amplified and captioned phones, smartphones and tablets, ring signalers and neck loops at no charge to qualified people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. Programs differ by state. The FCC's list of relay programs by state links to each state's page.
Ask about captioned telephone service. The FCC says IP captioned telephone service is for a person "who can speak but who has difficulty hearing over the telephone," and that the user listens and reads captions at the same time. The FCC's relay service guide says providers are compensated from a state or federal fund. The FCC says the service can be used with a captioned telephone or an existing voice telephone and a computer or other web-enabled device. A hearing health professional can tell you whether it suits you.
The Eldercare Locator, at 1-800-677-1116, connects you to local support resources for older adults and their families. Your state's SHIP counselors can help you read your plan's benefits for free.
Amplified landline phones
An amplified phone raises the volume of the voice you hear. Listings state the boost in decibels, such as up to 40 dB on the VTech SN1127 and up to +12 dB on the Panasonic KX-TGU433B, and some also state the ringer volume and a flashing light for incoming calls.
The FCC says wireline phones that allow high volume levels must automatically reset to a lower volume each time the phone is hung up, and that manufacturers may request a waiver. Check the listing or manual to see how a phone's volume boost works.
Big-button and photo-dial phones
A big-button phone has larger keys, often with high contrast, and some have a large or tilting display. A photo-dial phone has speed-dial buttons where you put a picture of the person. The VTech listings below state eight photo speed dial keys.
The listings for the VTech SN1127 and SN1117, the AT&T CD4930 and the AT&T Trimline say the corded design keeps working in a power outage. Check whether the phone you pick needs an outlet.
Simple cell phones
A cell phone also needs a service plan from a carrier, which is a separate purchase. This guide lists no plan prices. Before you buy, check which carriers the phone works with. The artfone listing below says it works with T-Mobile and its virtual operators only.
Compare the button size, the screen size and any emergency button the listing states, and the hearing features it describes.
Hearing aid compatibility labels
The FCC says wireline phones that are hearing aid compatible must be labeled "HAC," and that they should minimize unwanted noise and work with the telecoil in many hearing aids.
For cell phones, the FCC says the 2019 ANSI standard labels devices simply as "hearing aid-compatible," while older devices use an M/T rating, M1 to M4 for acoustic coupling and T1 to T4 for telecoil coupling, with 4 the best. It considers a handset hearing aid-compatible if it is rated at least M3 and at least T3. The FCC also says you have the right to test handsets inside the store, so ask about the return policy and restocking fees.
Products that meet these criteria
GMG has not tested these products. Each is listed because its Amazon listing states the features this guide describes, and each was sold by Amazon.com or the brand's own store on the date checked. They are examples of what is available, not recommendations of particular brands. Confirm the type of phone line, the carrier and the current price before you buy. Product names are paid links.
| Product (Amazon listing) | Type | What the listing states | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VTech SN1127 Amplified Corded Senior Phone with Answering Machine, 8 Photo Speed Dial, 90dB Loud Ringer, Big Buttonspaid link | Amplified corded phone | One-touch amplification boosts incoming volume up to 40dB. 90dB ringer with a flashing visual alert. 8 photo speed dial keys. Big high-contrast buttons and a large display. Full-duplex speakerphone and spoken caller ID. Digital answering machine. The listing mentions hearing aid compatibility. | Corded. The listing gives a size of 7.47 x 8.23 x 4.11 inches. |
| Panasonic Cordless Phone, Landline Phone with Volume Boost and Slow Talk (KX-TGU433B)paid link | Amplified cordless phone, three handsets | Volume Boost amplifies up to +12 dB. Large 2.1 inch display and big buttons. Call block button for up to 1,000 numbers. A Favorites key flashes for incoming and missed calls. Digital answering system. | Cordless, with three handsets. The listing says it works with standard landline phones. |
| VTech SN1117 Corded Senior Phone for Elderlypaid link | Photo-dial corded phone | 8 photo speed dial keys. High-contrast large buttons with spoken digits as you dial. Visual ringer. Full-duplex speakerphone. Adjustable earpiece and speakerphone volume. | No amplification in decibels is stated. Corded. |
| AT&T CD4930 Black Corded Phone with Digital Answering System, Caller ID, Extra-Large Tilt Backlit Display & Big Buttonspaid link | Big-button corded phone | Extra-large tilting backlit display and oversized high-contrast keys. Audio Assist boosts volume and clarity. Extra-loud ringer with a flashing indicator. Hands-free speakerphone. 25-minute digital answering system. | The listing does not give the boost in decibels. Size 14.57 x 11.26 x 5.98 inches. |
| AT&T Trimline Corded Phone, No AC Power Needed, Extra Large Buttons, Visual Ringer, Lighted Keypad, 10-Number Speed Dial, Wall Mountable (213)paid link | Big-button corded phone | Runs on line power with no batteries or adapter. Extra-large buttons and a lighted keypad. Visual ringer. 10-number speed dial. Volume control for the receiver and ringer. Wall mountable. The listing names hearing aids among compatible devices. | No answering machine. A small phone, 3 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches. |
| Panasonic Cordless Phone with Advanced Call Block, Bilingual Caller ID, Easy to Read Large High-Contrast Display (KX-TGD810B)paid link | Cordless phone with call blocking | Automated call block for robocalls and a 1-touch button to block 1,000 more numbers. One-ring scam alert. Illuminated keypad with large characters. Speed dial for 9 numbers. Full-duplex speakerphone. Wall mountable. | No amplification is stated. One handset. |
| artfone G3 Flip Phone Unlocked for Seniors, 4G Volte Basic Phone, 2.4" Screen, SOS Button, Speed Dialpaid link | Simple flip cell phone | 21 large backlit buttons, a 2.4 inch screen and an SOS button for up to five emergency contacts. Hearing Enhancement Mode with earphones or hearing aids. 1300mAh battery. Supports 2G, 3G and 4G LTE, compatible with T-Mobile and its virtual operators only. | Needs a service plan, sold separately. Check that your carrier is on the listing's list. |
Listing details were checked on October 12, 2026 and can change. Cell phone service plans are sold separately.
- Your state's equipment program: Washington and Colorado are two examples. The FCC lists each state's relay program page, and eligibility and cost vary.
- Captioned telephone service: The FCC describes IP captioned telephone service for people who can speak but have difficulty hearing on the phone.
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. A public service that connects you to local support resources for older adults and their families.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): A free counselor can help you read your plan documents.
Common questions about amplified and big-button phones
- How do I find my state's phone equipment program?
- The FCC keeps a list of relay programs by state and territory, with a page for each. Start there, contact your state's program and ask about equipment. Programs differ by state, and Washington and Colorado are two that provide equipment.
- Can I get a phone for free?
- Some state programs provide equipment at no cost to qualified residents. Washington says many of its clients receive equipment at no cost, and Colorado says it provides amplified and captioned phones at no charge to qualified people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. Eligibility and cost vary by state, so check your state's program.
- What is captioned telephone service?
- The FCC says IP captioned telephone service lets a person who can speak but has difficulty hearing over the telephone listen to the other party and read captions of what is being said.
- What does hearing aid compatible mean on a phone?
- The FCC says hearing aid compatible phones should minimize unwanted noise and work with the telecoil in many hearing aids. Wireline phones are labeled HAC. A cell phone is considered compatible if it is rated at least M3 and T3 or meets the 2019 standard, which is labeled hearing aid-compatible.
- What does an amplified phone do?
- It raises the volume of the voice you hear. Listings state the boost in decibels, such as up to 40 dB on the VTech SN1127 listing, so compare the number across phones.
- Will a flip phone work with any carrier?
- Not necessarily. Listings state the carriers a phone supports. The artfone G3 listing says it is compatible with T-Mobile and its virtual operators only, so check before you buy.
✅What This Means For You
Turning 65: Look at your state's equipment program before you buy, and ask your doctor or an audiologist about your hearing at the same time.
Already on Medicare: Call your state's equipment program first, then compare phones.
IRMAA-affected: A higher Part B premium doesn't change which phone fits you. Compare the amplification, buttons and labels.
Medicare Advantage enrollees: Check your state's equipment program, then compare amplification, buttons and labels.
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